Two-sided key case



Feb. 24, 1970 w. A. SHAHEEN 3,497,074

TWO-SIDED KEYYCASE Filed Sept. 14, 1967 FIG. 5

WALTER A. SHAHEEN I/VVEVTOH' 5) BUCK/IOR/vf, BLO/E; KLAROU/ST 8 SPAR/(MAN ATTORNEYS 3,497,074 TWO-SIDED KEY CASE Walter A. Shaheen, 2900 SE. 141 Ave., Portland, Oreg. 97236 Filed Sept. 14, 1967, Ser. No. 667,738 Int. Cl. A47f 7/03, /00

US. Cl. 211-13 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a two-sided key case, and more particularly to a key case for holding a large number of keys.

In many businesses, such as for example automobile sales, it is desirable to have a large number of keys readily identifiable and available. There have been cases available for holding keys in positions in which they are quickly identifiable and accessible.

An object of the invention is to provide a two-sided key case.

Another object of the invention is to provide a key case for holding a large number of keys.

A further object of the invention is to provide a key case which holds keys in rows on opposite sides thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a key case adapted to hold large numbers of identifying tags of keys in readily identified positions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight, compact key case adapted to hold a large number of keys in readily identifiable, accessible and protected positions.

The invention provides a two-sided key case including a panel carrying hanging means adapted to hold a key. The hanging means preferably includes a plurality of pairs of strips carrying generally U-shaped clips mounted in pairs on opposite sides of the panel and adapted to clamp key tags facewise to opposite faces of the panel. The panel preferably is mounted in an overhanging frame having a handle for transporting the case and hanging up the frame.

A complete understanding of the invention may be obtained from the following detailed description of a twosided key case forming a specific embodiment thereof, when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a two-sided key case forming one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged section taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged section taken along line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, a twosided key case shown therein and forming one embodiment of the invention is adapted to hold a large number of keys and/or 12 in positions in which the keys are easily identifiable and may be quickly obtained. The keys are v United States Patent 0 3,497,074 Patented Feb. 24, 1970 held by generally U-shaped spring clips 14 secured in slots 16 and grooves 18 in strips or bars 20 preferably of aluminum. The bars are mounted in pairs on opposite sides of a panel 22 carried by an overhanging frame 24 having a handle 26 for carrying the case and for hanging the case on a hook on a wall, for example. The clips have loop portions 27 for receiving identifying tags 30 carrying the keys 10 and also are adapted to receive rings 31 carrying the keys 12. The clips 14 clamp the tags 28 facewise against the strips 20 in position in which identifying indicia on the tags may be read at a glance The panel 22 preferably is of a tough, strong composition board and is held in dado grooves 32 in the four sides of the frame 24, which preferably is of wood and which overhangs both sides of the panel to protect against accidentally brushing the keys and the like. The strips 20 are mounted in pairs on the opposite faces of the panel by screws 34 and nuts 36 (FIG. 5) having bushing portions 38.

The clips 14 (FIGS. 3 and 4) are of ribbon-like leaf spring material and have strip-like base portions 40 of widths fitting closely in the grooves 18 and of a thickness slightly less than the depth of the grooves 18. Rounded shank portions 42 fit loosely in the slots 16. The clips have rounded pressing portions 44 and flared end portions 46. Each pressing portion normally engages the adjacent face of the strip 20 and serves to press the key tag tightly against the strip when the tag is inserted between the clip and the strip, which may be effected easily by edgewise insertion. The clips are easily assembled on the strips merely by opening them, moving them edgewise into position and releasing them, after which the base portions 40 are trapped in the grooves 18.

The above-described key case holds a large number of keys in readily identifiable and easily obtained positions while being compact and light in weight. It holds the key tags in fiat positions in which they can be easily read. The overhanging frame protects the keys, and the case is simple, rugged and inexpensive in its construction.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are simply illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Numerous other arrangements may be readily devised by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. In a two-sided key case,

a panel member,

a plurality of clip means for gripping key tags, and

means mounting the clip on opposite sides of the panel,

the clip means including a pair of strips secured to opposite sides of the panel and a plurality of clips secured to the strips,

each strip including a groove opening into the back side thereof and a plurality of notches spaced therealong and extending from an edge thereof to the groove,

each clip also including a base portion lying in the groove, a shank portion extending through one of the slots and a clip portion overlying the forward face of the strip.

2. The clip structure of claim 1 including a pair of strips, bolt means extending through the strips and securing the strips to opposite faces of the panel, the clip means including a plurality of clips secured to the strips at spaced points therealong.

3. In a clip structure,

a panel,

a strip secured to one face of the panel and having a longitudinal groove in the face thereof adjacent the panel and a plurality of transverse slots extending p 3 o from one edge thereof through the grooved portion, 1,736,235 11/1929 Von Kersburg 40-19.5 X of the strip, and 2,149,431 3/1939 Foster 40-11 a plurality of clips each having a base portion lying 2,937,758 5/1960 Tabb 21189 X in the groove, an article-engaging portion outside 3,225,477 12/1965 Edwards 40-11 X the strip and a connecting portion extending through 5 1,767,980 6/1930 Hintze 40-11 X one of the slots and connecting the base portion and 2,954,874 10/ 1960 Rouse 3 211-13 the article-engaging portion. 3,305,076 2/1967 Fleenor 20616 References Cited CHANCELLOR E. HARRIS, Primary Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 10 S Cl.

605,474 6/1898 Davidson 14 14 40 11; 312 234 1,380,747 6/1921 Stanford 211l3 X 

